A checkpoint on OU’s season

Not so fast.

The Sooners have reached a checkpoint, finished with the non-conference portion of their schedule, a season stretch that will be recalled not so much for run-ins with Blazers or Huskies, Ducks or Blue Raiders, but zebras.

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OU stands 3-1, although few outside of Oregon argue the record should be 4-0.

Still, that’s all over — except the crying, of course, with Sooner fans still moaning over the men in stripes.

Texas in two weeks should take care of that.

But first, a checkpoint check-in, revisiting and updating OU’s key preseason storylines.

⢠Will the turmoil of the early August dismissals of Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn break or bond these Sooners for the season ahead?

Then: The team seemed to move on with ease⦠but emotions are fickle.

Now: As it appeared at the opening of camp, the Sooners moved on without a hitch. There’s a true admiration and respect for Paul Thompson, who has aided transition with strong play and firm leadership.

⢠With the offense sure to be even more reliant on Adrian Peterson, what are his chances of making a run at OU’s fifth Heisman Trophy?

Then: If healthy, Peterson will be back at the big party in The Big Apple.

Now: Peterson is healthy and hungry, running stronger than ever, one reason he’s the nation’s No. 2 rusher. With 643 yards and seven touchdowns rushing, Peterson is on pace to pass Billy Sims as the school’s all-time leading rusher and push the 2,000-yard mark for the season. If he hits 2,000 and the Sooners finish 10-2 or better, it’ll be hard not to award Peterson the Heisman.

⢠So can an offensive line with just one returning full-time starter be good enough to protect Thompson and plow for Peterson?

Then: OU coaches don’t dismiss the danger of inexperience. But they also believe there’s talent on this unit.

Now: Overall, the line has played well, despite four sophomore starters. While it’s been tough at times for Peterson, defenses are overloading the box to defend the run. So some losses or short gains are to be expected. In the end, Peterson gets his yards. Somewhat overlooked, this line has done a superb job of pass blocking.

⢠Will the defense bear a heavy burden for the Sooners to maximize wins?

Then: Nothing it can’t handle.

Now: Oops. Touted as talented and tough in the preseason, inconsistency plagued the OU defense through its first three games. Bottom line: regardless of the blown calls at Oregon, the Sooners would be 4-0 if the defense decided to stop somebody in crunch time. Coaches are still massaging the lineup, particularly in the secondary.

⢠Can Thompson lead the Sooners to a championship?

Then: Thompson is a comfortable leader. And the Sooners are championship capable. But there’s so much more to linking the two.

Now: For all the questions surrounding Thompson, who was running routes at wide receiver five months ago, who in the Big 12 has been better at quarterback? Thompson is making all the throws and making defenses pay for their intense focus on Peterson. While the loss to Oregon puts a national championship at long odds, the Sooners remain a Big 12 title contender. And Thompson’s play is a major reason.